Machine Building

Selecting an inline thickness measurement system

When selecting an in-process system for measuring the thickness of film, plate or sheet materials, a number of important factors need to be considered, including the effect of combined real-world errors, says Chris Jones of Micro-Epsilon.

4th September 2017

The age of the PLC platform is now

Can an automation system be more than just the sum of its parts? Barry Weller of Mitsubishi Electric argues that it can and that the age of the PLC platform is now bringing a host of benefits that extend far beyond ease of programming and simplicity of integration.

1st September 2017

How Essentra Components is adopting Industry 4.0

Described as the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 is changing the very nature of manufacturing, with companies racing to find ways to transform and update their existing technologies and capabilities.

31st August 2017

Safe isolation a key issue for construction and manufacturing

Safe Isolation "" when, where and why did it all start and how do law makers and industry regard this today? John Saysell, head of training at MCP Consulting and Training, explains

25th August 2017

Alarm management - Finding the needle is IIoT's biggest asset

HMIs have long been established as the best way of providing up to the minute information about processes for years now and it didn't take long for users to realise that the data held within controllers and HMIs was a goldmine that could help them maximise efficiency and minimise downtime.

11th August 2017

Ultrasonic screening systems boost powder throughput

Avid gym-goers and time-pressed managers alike have undoubtedly noticed the rise in powdered food products in recent years. While they offer a quick fix for consumers, the production of these products can present challenges to food manufacturers. Here, Stephen Harding, managing director of Gough Engineering, explains how powder manufacturers can maximise throughput and efficiency.

10th August 2017

IoT for systems integrators made easy by LPRS

LPRS CS have identified systems integrators and service providers as having the greatest opportunity of all company types to deploy, use and generate revenue from IoT/M2M applications. They are the feet-on-the-street with first-hand knowledge of the end use requirements, applications and end users and can therefore leverage this technology to the benefit of all.

9th August 2017

Dynamic balance improves motion systems' performance

High-speed precision motion systems have to be dynamically balanced, otherwise they will vibrate in use, lose precision, suffer excessive wear and fail prematurely. Ian Carr of Drive Lines Technologies in Bedford reviews procedures and techniques for balancing high-speed precision couplings.

8th August 2017

Choosing the right balls for your bearings

Some pro-cyclists have turned to precision hybrid ceramic bearings for their low rolling resistance to give them a race day advantage over those who opt for all-steel bearings. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of specialist bearing supplier, SMB Bearings, explains this choice and explores the differences between full ceramic and hybrid bearings.

8th August 2017

Why do we blame robots when the line stops?

Production and packing lines will stop working for any number of reasons, but the default assumption will often be that a robotic malfunction is to blame. Instead of scapegoating the technology, Paul Wilkinson, Commercial & Information Systems Manager at Pacepacker Services, offers some advice on getting to the root of the problem.

4th August 2017